Man Shot at Sorelle Apartments in Atlanta’s Lindbergh Neighborhood
A man was shot early Monday morning at the Sorelle Apartments in Atlanta’s Lindbergh neighborhood. According to police, the 31-year-old victim was found near Lindbergh Drive NE and Garson Drive NE around 4:30 a.m., suffering from a gunshot wound. He was alert and conscious when transported to the hospital. Investigators believe he may have been an unintended bystander during an argument that escalated into gunfire at the apartment complex located at 2399 Parkland Dr. NE.
Applying Georgia’s Negligent Security Law
In Georgia, property owners have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to keep their communities safe for residents, visitors, and guests. This responsibility becomes even more important when the property is located in an area where criminal activity is known to occur. Negligent security happens when owners fail to take basic safety precautions, like installing proper lighting, securing gates and doors, or maintaining working surveillance cameras. If someone becomes the victim of a violent crime under these circumstances, Georgia law says the property owner can be held legally responsible, even if a similar crime had not happened before.
To meet these legal obligations, property owners should conduct regular safety inspections, fix broken locks and fences, make sure dark areas are properly lit, among other important safety measures. Taking these simple but important steps can help reduce crime and protect the people who live, work, and visit there. When property owners ignore known dangers, they not only put lives at risk but also open themselves up to lawsuits that can carry serious financial consequences.
An Apartment Complex with a History of Criminal Activity
This incident is not isolated. In October 2021, a man was fatally shot at the same complex. The victim, 30-year-old Darien Gatewood, was found dead at the scene. Police stated that the shooting did not appear to be random.
Residents have expressed concerns about safety and management at Sorelle Apartments. Some reviews mention frequent car break-ins and a lack of effective communication from the leasing office. One resident noted, “Cars are frequently broken into, making residents feel unsafe.”
“Cars are broken into constantly, and homeless people are living in storage units,” states another resident, adding “The doors securing the entrance to the hallways are frequently broken and will stay broken for weeks. The gates to come in are broken for weeks on end.”
Who Can Demand Justice?
Under Georgia law, apartment owners are required to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their residents. This includes implementing security measures such as surveillance cameras, proper lighting, and secure access points. Failure to address known safety issues can result in legal liability for property owners.
If you or a loved one has been affected by violence at Sorelle Apartments, it is important to understand your rights. Legal action can not only provide compensation for victims but also compel property owners to make necessary safety improvements. Holding property owners accountable is a crucial step in making our communities safer.
Together we can Make Georgia Safe, one community at a time.